CENTER - On June 23, the Town of Center held a community workshop at the Blue Loft in downtown Center to get input from the community on the North 90 Project.  

Approximately 35 people attended the workshop with Town of Center trustees and staff. The purpose of the workshop was to show the community what phase the project is currently in, what the structures for the 20 to 40 rental and for sale units could look like, and get public input on their favorite designs for the units and how to better appropriate the units to mee the town’s needs. 

Inside the Blue Loft were pictures of houses, apartment complexes, and streetscapes with different layouts hung all over the room. Attendees were asked to look at the different pictures and pick their favorite designs by attaching a green sticker to their favorite.  

Members from other organizations and people who are part of the planning and construction phases, also attended the meeting to give their insight, including Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, a Senior Housing Development Manager from Northwest Real Estate, the Small Business Development Center, the Project Manager for the North 90 Project, an Economic Developer, and the Civil Engineer who will be responsible for designing infrastructure and other things for the North 90 Project.  

A talk was given about the North 90 Project and its origins. The project began as an 88-acre project that was to be developed to help bring housing and employment to Center. Currently there is a $2 million grant for the project that will help build the infrastructure for the project, but another $2 million grant to finish is needed. There had been request for proposals put out to bring in a developer and an engineer to help work on the North 90 Project. A private developer has been found. There is an Economic Development position still open and posted on the town’s website, and project coordinators are seeking partners to help with grant writing.  

It was explained that the timeline for breaking ground depends on how fast the back work happens, but project coordinators are hoping to break ground in April of 2026. An agreement between the developer and the town is in place. It was explained that design is necessary to put together the infrastructure for the project.  

During the workshop, attendees were split into groups and asked what kind of businesses they would like to see to help develop the town and the project, and what kind of housing they would like to see.  

The housing group stated that they wanted to see both rental units and units available for purchase. It was also mentioned by the project team that the units would be durable, high quality, and cost effective.  

The business group stated that they would like to see people come live in the new units and create businesses with sustainability. It was mentioned that many businesses get opened but close right away, and maybe with the implementation of more housing, more people could bring new businesses to the town.  

The workshop ended with everyone being told that the pictures, their discussions, and their ideas would all be considered.